Tight security was deployed at Mukono Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday as Hussein Dak Taewaiko, the prime suspect in the murder of Pamela Tumwebaze, appeared for the mention of his case.
Taewaiko, who has been in custody since February, was escorted by heavily armed security personnel amid heightened public interest in a case that has shocked the country.
The suspect is accused of murdering Tumwebaze, a senior official at Uganda Christian University, at her home in Mukono District earlier this year.
Background to the murder
Tumwebaze, who served as Director of Students’ Affairs, was killed in the early hours of February 11, 2026, at her residence in Goma Division.
Police said she was attacked in her bedroom and later pronounced dead after being rushed to hospital.
Investigations quickly pointed to a possible insider. Detectives later zeroed in on Taewaiko, a former househelp who had previously worked at the home.
He was arrested on February 14 in eastern Uganda, reportedly found in possession of items belonging to the deceased, a key development that strengthened the prosecution’s case.
Authorities have since charged him with murder and aggravated robbery, alleging that he killed Tumwebaze during the course of a robbery at her residence.
Reconstruction and alleged confession
During earlier stages of the investigation, Taewaiko was taken back to the crime scene, where he reportedly demonstrated how he accessed the home and carried out the attack.
According to investigators, the suspect—who was familiar with the premises—allegedly scaled the perimeter wall, entered the house unnoticed, and hid in the bedroom before confronting Tumwebaze.
Officials say he later confessed to the killing, although questions have persisted regarding his motive and parts of his account.
Court proceedings
The appearance at Mukono Magistrates’ Court marks another procedural step in the case, which is expected to be committed to the High Court due to the gravity of the charges.
Under Ugandan law, suspects charged with capital offences such as murder cannot take plea before a magistrates’ court and are typically remanded as investigations continue.
The case has drawn widespread attention, with the victim’s family and the university community continuing to demand justice.
Further mention of the case is expected as prosecutors finalize inquiries before forwarding the file to the High Court for trial.
